Stalled aid claim under scrutiny

Donald Trump has said he withheld nearly US$400 million in military aid from Ukraine because of corruption there, but recently released Pentagon documents undercut that explanation and add fuel to the whistleblower complaint.

Democrats in the House yesterday demanded answers on what prompted the Trump administration to place a hold on the military aid, which was needed to fight Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, even as Trump was pressing the Ukrainian government to investigate the son of former US vicepresident Joe Biden.

The Pentagon documents reflect its own assessment that Ukraine was making progress on anti-corruption efforts.

The package of arms and equipment was released earlier this month under congressional pressure. It is now at the centre of the impeachment inquiry into whether Trump withheld the money and weapons in a bid to gain political advantage over Biden.

Defence Secretary Mark Esper has declined to provide details on the administration’s decision to hold up assistance that had enjoyed bipartisan support.

Trump initially said this week he had concerns about corruption in Ukraine. However, the Pentagon in May officially certified that it had seen enough anti-corruption progress to justify releasing the congressionally authorised aid, according to documents provided to The Associated Press.